MELVIN C. GAUMER DEAD

Succumbs to That Dread DiseaseSmallpox After a ShortIllness

Melvin C. Gaumer, whose illness of smallpox was mentioned in the Register two weeks ago, died of the disease last Thursday, April 12. Mr. Gaumer last fall secured a position as motorman on a street car line operating between Cleveland and Lorain and at once moved his family to the former city. Early this spring he moved his family to Lorain because of better advantages for himself and family. Soon after making this move he was taken ill of smallpox supposed to have been contracted while making his run on the car.

The following letter, written to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Riley Gaumer of this place tells of his death:

Lorain, O. April 12, 1904: I am sorry to have to announce bad news to you. Your son Melvin, died tonight of smallpox. He was doing very well until a few days ago when he took cold and had a relapse. Everything possible was done to save him but without avail, and he passed away. He died without suffering much and was conscience up until the last few minutes.

The children are doing as well as can be expected and we have good hopes that they will recover. Mrs. Gaumer has so far escaped taking the disease and I think she will not get it as she has been well vaccinated. The family have the sympathy of the entire city in this sad bereavement.

I hope you will hold up under this blow, and more. I have the happy fact to tell you that he died with a prayer on his lips.

Yours, Sincerely,Edw. V. Hug M. D.Health Officer

Melvin Clarence Gaumer was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Gaumer and was born June 5, 1875. After reaching manhood he went to Coshocton and worked at the carpenter trade and while working there was married to a young lady of that city. Besides his wife and two children, and parents he leaves two brothers, W. O. Gaumer, of Washington, and H. C. Gaumer, of this place.

Owing to the nature of the disease which caused his death, his remains were interred at Lorain in accordance with the rules of the health authorities of that city.